The future of multiple sclerosis treatments

Expert Rev Neurother. 2016 Dec;16(12):1341-1356. doi: 10.1080/14737175.2016.1243056. Epub 2016 Oct 21.

Abstract

There are not many conditions in which the last few decades have brought such a major change in the landscape of treatments as is the case of multiple sclerosis (MS). A number of disease modifying treatments (DMTs) are presently available for the treatment of the inflammatory phase of this disabling disease; however, the need for treating neurodegeneration and halting the progression of disability is still unmet. Areas covered: In this paper we review the available information on existing and emerging DMTs and we discuss their place within the context of different treatment strategies in MS, Expert commentary: The future of MS treatments should include the development of new treatment strategies tackling disease progression, together with a better understanding of the side-effects and the best sequential strategy of implementation of available and emerging drugs.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; immunomodulation; monoclonal antibodies; remyelination; repurposing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents